I got a bit of shit in the comments for being too generic and not listing enough specific independent bars / cafes / shops etc etc in the city – also there were comments saying that there actually aren’t many independents, which I know to be A LIE. There are OODLES of amazing independent businesses in the city, many that I frequent, and I wanted to give a list of my favourites below. This is by no means exhaustive, and if you’re reading this and think I’ve missed one out in your area, PLEASE ADD IT IN THE COMMENTS!

Also I have to give props to Walt Jabsco for fire-fighting in the comments (who knew Guardian readers could be so contrary, eh??) and also to Simon Ayre for taking that lovely photo of me hanging out under the A4232 in Butetown.

NOW THEN …. my list of some independent businesses in Cardiff. Some really good ones. Add your own in the comments. DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a foodie or a fashion person, in any way, so if you’re after restaurant recommendations you’re probably better off to go to the Gourmet Gorro blog and see what he’s got to say over there.

The below are in absolutely no order other than what my brain has just thrown up all over the keyboard, and will probably tell you that my priorities in life mostly revolve around car boot sales and markets, drinking gin, drinking coffee, buying records and eating cake. And if you’ve got a problem with that, well let’s face it, you’re probably on the wrong blog.

Since they stopped doing their Saturday night 1950s swing nights in the basement, the Bunk House has totally lost my heart 😦 good shout though, it’s a nice place for a coffee if you’re in town in the daytime

There’s the Plan cafe in Morgan Arcade, one of my favourites, and Wally’s Kaffeehouse in Royal Arcade. Cardiff is much better off now for great little cafes than it was in the late 80s when we moved to South Wales… or maybe I just didn’t find them!